NBA Futures Bets: Best Odds & Picks for 2022-23 Eastern Conference Champion
The Boston Celtics put up a valiant effort this past postseason, running through a gauntlet in the Eastern Conference playoffs before ultimately losing steam late against one of the best teams of all time, the Golden State Warriors. Just hours removed from that Game 6 loss, our attention now turns to 2023, as the NBA futures betting markets are alive and well, taking action daily.
Let’s take a closer look at two teams I think to have value in winning the Eastern Conference.
Check out our consensus and the odds at each sportsbook for NBA Champion >>
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Bucks (+400)
Injuries are the name of the game, no doubt, but if Khris Middleton stays healthy, you have to think the Bucks beat Miami and give the Celtics real fits, as their athleticism would have matched theirs in spades. Playing without Middleton did give the Bucks’ front office a lot to think about, and I expect them to use their learnings in smart offseason moves this summer to bolster their wings and bring in a higher-level shooting preference.
Bottom line, with Middleton back at full strength and Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday still around, the Bucks have one of the best trios in the league. And as long as they are together, they are a threat to win the East every season. With revenge no doubt on their mind entering 2023, I like the Bucks to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals and punch their ticket to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Miami Heat (+750)
I was on the Heat to win the East in 2022 and firmly believe they get there had they not lost Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro at the start of the Eastern Conference Finals. But I digress.
Looking ahead, the Heat have some big questions to answer including whether or not they can afford to bring back Herro at the value he wants. Ditto for P.J. Tucker, who enters the offseason with a player option. If they are able to, which we’re banking on here grabbing this number, Pat Riley is on the record of wanting to bring back Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler, and while I think he might explore the market, I see Victor Oladipo coming back as well.
Led by one of the best staffs in the game in Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra, I like for the Heat to be right back in position next year to take home the Eastern Conference trophy.
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